Banana bread and cake lovers, rejoice! Combining the comforting flavors of traditional banana bread with the decadent touch of a cake, this Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting recipe is sure to delight your taste buds and become a new favorite in your baking repertoire. Perfect for any occasion, whether it be a casual brunch or a festive gathering, this cake offers the perfect balance of sweetness and moistness, topped off with a creamy, tangy cream cheese frosting. Read on to discover how to make this irresistible treat that is sure to impress your guests and satisfy your sweet cravings.
Ingredients:
For the Banana Bread Cake:
- 3 ripe bananas, mashed
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 1/2 cup butter, softened
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 3 cups powdered sugar, sifted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven and Prepare the Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan or line it with parchment paper. This will help prevent the cake from sticking to the pan, ensuring a beautiful presentation.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside. This combination will help your cake rise and give it the perfect texture.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is crucial as it incorporates air into the batter, making your cake light.
Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Add the eggs, one at a time, to the butter-sugar mixture, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract. Mixing well ensures that these wet ingredients are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
Step 5: Combine with Dry Ingredients
Alternately add the dry ingredients and buttermilk to the butter mixture, starting and ending with the dry ingredients. Stir just until combined; overmixing can lead to a denser cake.
Step 6: Fold in Mashed Bananas
Gently fold in the mashed bananas. The bananas not only add flavor but also moisture, making the cake delightfully tender.
Step 7: Bake
Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan. Bake in the preheated oven for about 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then turn out onto a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 8: Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting
While the cake is cooling, prepare the cream cheese frosting. In a mixing bowl, beat together softened butter and cream cheese until smooth and creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar and continue beating until the frosting is light and fluffy. Stir in the vanilla extract.
Step 9: Frost the Cake
Once the cake is completely cooled, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top and sides. The tangy frosting complements the sweet, banana-flavored cake perfectly.
Serving and Storage Tips:
To serve, cut the cake into slices and enjoy as a delightful dessert or a special treat with your afternoon coffee. If you have leftovers, cover them tightly or store in an airtight container. The Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, making it a great make-ahead dessert for busy days.
Conclusion:
This Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting recipe is more than just a dessert; it’s a perfect blend of nostalgia and gourmet indulgence. With its moist texture, rich banana flavor, and creamy frosting, it promises to be a hit at any gathering or a cozy treat at home. Try this recipe today and add a delicious twist to your baking adventures!
Serving and Storage Tips for Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting
When it comes to serving and storing your freshly baked Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting, a few tips can help maintain its delicious taste and texture. Whether you’re enjoying it fresh from the oven or savoring leftovers, here’s how to handle this delightful treat.
Serving Tips:
- Let It Cool Completely: Before frosting, ensure the banana bread cake is completely cool to prevent the cream cheese frosting from melting. This could take about an hour or so, depending on the temperature and humidity of your kitchen.
- Room Temperature Serving: Although the cake is stored in the refrigerator, it’s best served at room temperature. Remove it from the fridge 30 minutes before serving to let it warm up slightly, which enhances the flavor and texture of both the cake and the frosting.
- Add Garnishes for Extra Flair: To make your cake even more appealing, consider garnishing it just before serving. A sprinkle of chopped nuts (like walnuts or pecans), a dusting of cinnamon, or even some banana slices can add a delightful touch.
Storage Tips:
- Refrigerate Properly: Due to the cream cheese frosting, this cake should be refrigerated to maintain freshness and prevent spoilage. Cover it with plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container to keep it from absorbing other odors from the fridge.
- Keep It Moist: To prevent the cake from drying out, ensure it’s covered tightly either with plastic wrap or in a container. If you’ve cut into the cake, press a piece of plastic wrap directly onto the cut surfaces.
- Duration of Storage: The Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. The flavor and texture will remain best if enjoyed within this time frame.
- Freezing for Longer Storage: If you need to store the cake for longer than a few days, freezing is a great option. Wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap, then again in aluminum foil. When ready to enjoy, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before bringing it to room temperature for serving.
These serving and storage tips will help you ensure that every slice of your Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting is as enjoyable as the first. Whether for a special occasion or a delightful treat, this cake offers a wonderful combination of flavors and textures that are sure to please.
1. Can I make the Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting ahead of time?
Yes, this cake is ideal for making ahead of time. You can bake the cake a day or two before you need it, allow it to cool completely, and then wrap it tightly and store it in the refrigerator. Prepare the cream cheese frosting and keep it in a separate airtight container in the fridge. Frost the cake on the day you plan to serve it for the best texture and flavor.
2. How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
To make a gluten-free version of the Banana Bread Cake, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend designed for baking. Look for a mix that substitutes on a 1:1 basis to ensure the best results. Additionally, check that your baking soda and other additives are certified gluten-free.
3. Can I add nuts or chocolate chips to the banana bread cake?
Absolutely! Adding nuts like chopped walnuts or pecans, or chocolate chips can give an extra texture and flavor boost to your banana bread cake. Simply fold in up to 1 cup of nuts, chocolate chips, or even a combination of both into the batter just before pouring it into the cake pan.
4. What can I do if I don’t have buttermilk?
If you don’t have buttermilk on hand, you can easily make a substitute with ingredients you likely have in your kitchen. For each cup of buttermilk needed, place 1 tablespoon of white vinegar or lemon juice in a measuring cup and add enough milk (whole or 2% works best) to make 1 cup. Stir the mixture and let it stand for about 5 minutes. This will curdle slightly and can be used as a buttermilk substitute in your baking.